Want to spark up some friendly competition? Take your date for a... Photo-7724723.114504 - Times Union

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Another form of friendly competition? Try bowling. Whether you two are alone or on a double date, bowling is a fun activity to get you staying active while still allowing for plenty of conversation and even food, drinks and arcade games. Try Del Lanes, Playdium Bowling Center or Sunset Lanes (They have dollar nights every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) less

Another form of friendly competition? Try bowling. Whether you two are alone or on a double date, bowling is a fun activity to get you staying active while still allowing for plenty of conversation and even ... more

Photo: Audrey Goodemote

Another form of friendly competition? Try bowling. Whether you two... Photo-5330877.114504 - Times Union

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Hot dogs, beer and baseball. It's the All-American date. Catch a ValleyCats game at Joseph Bruno Stadium in Troy. You can sit in the stands or enjoy your food and game from the right-field picnic area. The stadium also has plenty of other food options including hot dogs, hamburgers, wood fire pizza, soft serve ice cream, pretzels, and more. Visit their website. less

Hot dogs, beer and baseball. It's the All-American date. Catch a ValleyCats game at Joseph Bruno Stadium in Troy. You can sit in the stands or enjoy your food and game from the right-field picnic area. The ... more

If you both have a sweet tooth, stop by Cheesecake Machismo on Hamilton Street for one of their famously delicious and unique cheesecakes. A slice and a drink costs $5 flat. Then take your treats to the Empire State Plaza and sit by the pools or by the overlook. Visit the Cheesecake Machismo Facebook page to find out the daily flavors. less

If you both have a sweet tooth, stop by Cheesecake Machismo on Hamilton Street for one of their famously delicious and unique cheesecakes. A slice and a drink costs $5 flat. Then take your treats to the Empire ... more

Photo: Cheesecakemachismo.com

If you both have a sweet tooth, stop by Cheesecake Machismo on... Photo-8115866.114504 - Times Union

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John Boyd Thacher State Park.

Not only does this state park offer scenic views of Albany but it also offers numerous nature and hiking trails, sports fields and courts, and picnic areas. Whether you want to go see a waterfall or just sit down for a picnic, the park is a beautiful and quiet way to spend the day with good company. Visit the website.

John Boyd Thacher State Park. Not only does this state park... Photo-7860172.114504 - Times Union

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If you and your date enjoy art and culture, consider taking advantage of 1st Friday Albany. Every first Friday of the month, museums, bars, restaurants and galleries feature special showcases and discounts for entertainment, drinks and exhibits. A walk down Lark Street would be more than enough to take in a few of these offerings. Visit the website. less

If you and your date enjoy art and culture, consider taking advantage of 1st Friday Albany. Every first Friday of the month, museums, bars, restaurants and galleries feature special showcases and discounts for ... more

If you and your date enjoy art and culture, consider taking... Photo-6755984.114504 - Times Union

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For the more athletic couples, a few hours at Albany's Indoor Rock Gym should make for a fun and active time. Whether you're a beginner or advanced climber you can try your hand at a number of different challenges and features like climbing, zip lining or exploring their indoor cave system, which is the only one in the entire nation. Visit the website. less

For the more athletic couples, a few hours at Albany's Indoor Rock Gym should make for a fun and active time. Whether you're a beginner or advanced climber you can try your hand at a number of different ... more

Photo: Facebook.com/AlbanysIndoorRockgym

For the more athletic couples, a few hours at Albany's Indoor... Photo-8412485.114504 - Times Union

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.114504 - Times Union

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Let's see if you and your date make a good team. Head to a local bar for trivia night. The atmosphere will be engaging and social which will take some of the conversation pressure off of the date but will still give you both plenty of bonding time as you work together. Trivia Nights Live! hosts many trivia nights in the Capital Region. Check out a full list here. less

Let's see if you and your date make a good team. Head to a local bar for trivia night. The atmosphere will be engaging and social which will take some of the conversation pressure off of the date but will still ... more

Photo: Michael P. Farrell

Let's see if you and your date make a good team. Head to a... Photo-3644899.114504 - Times Union

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Everyone loves a good laugh so bring your date to one of Albany's stand up comedy clubs. You can try The Comedy Works in Albany which also offers a dinner and show option (website) or attend an improv show by MopCo (website). less

Everyone loves a good laugh so bring your date to one of Albany's stand up comedy clubs. You can try The Comedy Works in Albany which also offers a dinner and show option (website) or attend an improv show by ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale

Everyone loves a good laugh so bring your date to one of... Photo-3441860.114504 - Times Union

The area has a handful of drive-in movie theaters. Take your date to enjoy the latest movies in this old-fashioned way of viewing them that dates back to 1933. Try these: Jericho Drive-In, Malta Drive-In ... more

The area has a handful of drive-in movie theaters. Take your... Photo-8233975.114504 - Times Union

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For a classy night, make reservations at The Speakeasy, a Prohibition era inspired bar located in the basement of City Beer Hall on Howard and Lodge Streets. Enjoy creative and expertly mixed cocktails that are worth the $12 prices. This bar is different so make sure to abide by their rules: no open use of cell phones, dress appropriately (a step above casual), and cash only. Visit the website. less

For a classy night, make reservations at The Speakeasy, a Prohibition era inspired bar located in the basement of City Beer Hall on Howard and Lodge Streets. Enjoy creative and expertly mixed cocktails that are ... more

Photo: Lori Van Buren

For a classy night, make reservations at The Speakeasy , a... Photo-7330557.114504 - Times Union

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.114504 - Times Union

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Speaking of classy, The Philadelphia Orchestra is back at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, some food and drinks and let the music be the perfect background to your evening. The orchestra performs Aug. 5 through Aug. 22. Visit the website. less

Speaking of classy, The Philadelphia Orchestra is back at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center this summer. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket, some food and drinks and let the music be the perfect background to ... more

Speaking of classy, The Philadelphia Orchestra is back at the... Photo-8166992.114504 - Times Union

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Ready for a little adventure? 45 minutes west of Albany you'll find Howe Caverns, a cave with an underground lake which means tours include a boat ride. This is the second largest natural attraction in New York state. Various different tours are available (private tours, lantern tours, adventure tours etc) as well as zip lining, a ropes course and a rock wall. Visit their website. less

Ready for a little adventure? 45 minutes west of Albany you'll find Howe Caverns, a cave with an underground lake which means tours include a boat ride. This is the second largest natural attraction in New York ... more

Photo: Copyright Graphix Berdeaux & Howe Caverns 2009

Ready for a little adventure? 45 minutes west of Albany you'll... Photo-1811030.114504 - Times Union

We don't have to tell you it's Saratoga season around here because you already know. So bring your date to the Saratoga Race Course and make a day of it. Check out their events calendar and go on a day where there's more than just racing going on. There are also 45-minute walking tours of the track available. less

We don't have to tell you it's Saratoga season around here because you already know. So bring your date to the Saratoga Race Course and make a day of it. Check out their events calendar and go on a day where ... more

...bring a few drinks, a blanket and go have a mini picnic in... Photo-7944438.114504 - Times Union

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The New York State Museum will keep you entertained (and learning a thing or two) for a few hours. There will be an abundance of things to spark conversations with all the exhibits surrounding you. If the date goes well, head down to North Pearl Street for food and drinks. Visit their website. less

The New York State Museum will keep you entertained (and learning a thing or two) for a few hours. There will be an abundance of things to spark conversations with all the exhibits surrounding you. If the date ... more

Photo: Philip Kamrass, Albany Times Union

The New York State Museum will keep you entertained (and learning... Photo-8406585.114504 - Times Union

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For a romantic evening try The Melting Pot at Crossgates. While there is nothing romantic about a restaurant in a mall, The Melting Pot provides an intimate setting with private and cozy booths, dim lighting, cheese and chocolate fondue as well as a menu of nearly-cooked entrees you finish cooking at your own table. Visit the website. less

For a romantic evening try The Melting Pot at Crossgates. While there is nothing romantic about a restaurant in a mall, The Melting Pot provides an intimate setting with private and cozy booths, dim lighting, ... more

Photo: JAMES GOOLSBY

For a romantic evening try The Melting Pot at Crossgates . While... Photo-7223860.114504 - Times Union

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If both of you are fans of a particular band or singer making a tour stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, take that chance to go see some live music and do some dancing...or people watching. Buy the cheaper lawn tickets and spend the extra money on food. less

If both of you are fans of a particular band or singer making a tour stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, take that chance to go see some live music and do some dancing...or people watching. Buy the cheaper ... more

Photo: HANS PENNINK, AP

If both of you are fans of a particular band or singer making a... Photo-5225122.114504 - Times Union

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.114504 - Times Union

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Enjoy your date, this summer weather, some live music and great food at the Fork in the Road event this Friday in downtown's Tricentennial Park. Food trucks and vendors will be there including Cider Belly Doughnuts, Bootleggers, Emack & Bolio's Ice Cream and The Hungry Traveler. More info here. less

Enjoy your date, this summer weather, some live music and great food at the Fork in the Road event this Friday in downtown's Tricentennial Park. Food trucks and vendors will be there including Cider Belly ... more

Photo: Skip Dickstein, ALBANY TIMES UNION

Enjoy your date, this summer weather, some live music and great... Photo-5256991.114504 - Times Union

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A good daytime date is taking a Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise. It makes for a calm and relaxing trip where you'll be able to take in the views and spot herrings and if you're lucky, an eagle or two. There's also a dinner and dancing cruise taking place on Monday, Aug. 10, catered by Nicole's catering. More info here and full cruise calendar here. less

A good daytime date is taking a Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise. It makes for a calm and relaxing trip where you'll be able to take in the views and spot herrings and if you're lucky, an eagle or two. There's ... more

Photo: Michael P. Farrell, /518Life

A good daytime date is taking a Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise.... Photo-7859866.114504 - Times Union

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Dine'N at Nine Pin. Yes, food trucks again because Albany has a thing for them and we have some pretty good ones around here!

The most obvious summertime activity. Bring snacks and a cooler and hit the beach at Grafton Lakes State Park. It's $8 to enter the park with a car and just $5 to rent a small boat for an hour once your by the beach. Visit their website. less

The most obvious summertime activity. Bring snacks and a cooler and hit the beach at Grafton Lakes State Park. It's $8 to enter the park with a car and just $5 to rent a small boat for an hour once your by the ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

The most obvious summertime activity. Bring snacks and a cooler... Photo-2228796.114504 - Times Union

at Crossgates Mall can make for a fun time on any kind of date. They have arcade games, video games and electronic trivia games. If you get hungry sit down and order food at their restaurant area or try any of Crossgate's restaurants like World of Beer, The Melting Pot or The Standard.

Dave and Buster's at Crossgates Mall can make for a fun time... Photo-8406524.114504 - Times Union

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The classic dinner and a movie date.

Madison Avenue has a small strip of restaurants near the corner of Madison Avenue and South Allen Street. You can start with dinner and drinks at The Point, Junior's Bar & Grill or Madison Pour House. A short walk down the street will take you to Madison Theatre where you can catch a movie for just $5.